The Scottish public want to see tighter controls on the use and sale of fireworks.  Control over the sale of fireworks is reserved to the UK Parliament.

Concerns mentioned by those who responded to a recent survey were over the effect on pets,livestock, wildlife, veterans with PTSD and people with autism.

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA head of education and policy  said:

“We’re pleased so many members of the public have voiced their opinion and cited animal welfare as one of the reasons to restrict the public sale and use of fireworks. For years we have supported tighter restrictions on public use due to the stress and anxiety that can be caused to animals.

“Over the years the Scottish SPCA has received a handful of calls relating to an animal that has been injured due to the direct misuse of fireworks. The majority of calls relate to animals that have become injured through trying to escape the noise of fireworks.

“Incidents include dogs running on to roads and being hit by oncoming traffic, birds, such as swans, flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly injured after running through barbed wire fences. We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to improve animal welfare surrounding the use of fireworks.”

Many people also commented on the use of fireworks all year round and the misuse of them against the emergency services whilst doing their job.

fireworks being used as ‘weapons’ against the emergency services, seeing fireworks being thrown at cars or buses and reading about fireworks being used to injure/torture animals. Fireworks in Scotland

16,420 people responded to the questionnaire – 16,322 were from individuals. In addition to the online survey there were 29 events held. Two polls were also carried out on both Facebook and Twitter.

Ash Denham,Community Safety Minister in the Scottish Government said:

“The results of our consultation and survey demonstrate overwhelming public support for a change in how fireworks are sold and used.

“The consultation also highlighted the wider harm that can be caused to members of our communities, including our ex-service people and those with underlying mental health issues. The serious distress and occasional injury caused to animals around times of celebration has also been highlighted as a specific concern.”